BSBA ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - KENNEDY CLARK

Kennedy Clark is a junior attending Southern University and A&M College studying Business Management with a focus on marketing. A member of our 2022 cohort, Kennedy has the desire to jump into the world of Global Partnerships upon completion of her college tenure. She is taking all the necessary steps to get there. Read below about Kennedy's experience in the Academy and in the NBA's Future Sales Star Program.

1.?How was your experience going through the Black Sport Business Academy? What does it mean to you that a program exists to invest in your development and ascension into this business?

My experience going through the Black Sports Business Academy was like no other. From teaching me discipline by getting up every Monday at 5 am to making sure that I am actively engaged in all conversations, this opportunity gave me much-needed insight into working in this industry. This program provided technical knowledge but more importantly, gave me experiences I can use for future endeavors. This is why a program like this is necessary and highly valued.

2.?What were your key takeaways from your experience in the Academy that you feel contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Being able to meet so many sports professionals with varying backgrounds and journeys taught me that there is no "correct" way to enter the sports world. It also exposed me to the many different ways to work in sports whether it be adjacent like working for fanatics or direct like working for a team. Another key takeaway is that I control my future and the best way to insure I get where I wanna go is by creating relationships with those who are trying to leave those doors open for me.

3.?Over the past few months you've had the opportunity to participate in the NBA's Future Sales Star program. You even interned during the NBA All-Star game. How did you come across this opportunity? What is your role? And what have been key takeaways from this experience that have contributed to your knowledge and understanding of the industry??

I came across the Future Sales Stars program during BSBA when Vince suggested that we all applied for it. It was my first time applying to a major sports company so I was a bit nervous but on the last day, it was open I decided to send in my virtual interview. I was pleasantly surprised when I received my "Congratulations!" email and even more excited when I found out another member of the cohort got accepted too. So far this 6-month program has touched on varying topics like how to do a proper cold call and how to vet possible partner companies which will be essential to my desired career. I put a lot of time and effort into becoming an NBA HBCU All-Star Intern. When Southern announced that they would be playing in the All-Star game in September, I knew I had to be a part of the opportunity, whether it be as a fan or an employee. I reached out to Fredrick Salyers, the Director of the NBA HBCU Fellowship, and asked if he could help me find a way to the game. Not only did he inform me that there was an actual internship for the week but he also sat with me and helped me curate a stunning resume, gave me interview tips, and put in a good word with me with the hiring manager. After an interview with Moriah Lark, I was blessed to have been offered the position in the Global Partnerships Marketing and Media department. During the All-Star weekend, working on activations with big-name partners like State Farm and doing player appearances with an MVP, gave me real-world experience in the career I desire. The amount of communication and organization necessary for the job helped confirm that while the job may be stressful, working in partnerships is something I could see myself excelling at.

4.?What area of the sports and entertainment industry do you hope to be in long-term? Why?

I would like to work in Global Partnerships for several reasons. At heart, I truly love working on teams and there is no other department where that dynamic is more important. The idea of two very different companies in two very different industries coming together to better one another in ways unimagined excites me and constantly keeps me wanting to learn more. Finally, I love being of service to others, so if I can find a way to engage fans and build loyalty for all partners, I'm all in.

5.?What fascinates you about this industry?

The thing about the sports industry is that it can unite people like no other. No matter where you come from or who you are, the epitome of sports is working together to reach a common goal. My love for competition, growth, comradery, and togetherness is so strong and sports find a way to embody all of those things into one.

6.?What do you want to learn more about in the sport and entertainment business?

If I had to choose another route to take within sports it would be operations. My passion for learning about all the moving pieces within a team, league, arena, and special event is directly related to what operations would consist of.

7.?What do you hope is next for you??

I pray that I land the NBA HBCU Fellowship this summer. If not, I will continue creating relationships with those who are leaders in the industry and attending events to learn more about the industry as a whole.